The 1832 Society

The Wabash mission statement boldly proclaims that the College educates men “to think critically, act responsibly, lead effectively, and live humanely.” Members of the 1832 Society demonstrate for students what it means to “lead effectively” when they generously contribute annual gifts of $1,000 or more. Last year 559 alumni, parents, and friends made leadership gifts totaling more than $2.1 million in unrestricted support for Wabash students. While membership in the 1832 Society is small, members demonstrate that there is strength in numbers.

The Wabash tuition only accounts for about half of what it actually costs to educate a student. Thus, every student benefits from a “silent” scholarship before actually receiving any merit- or need-based financial assistance. Leadership gifts allow Wabash to recruit academically motivated, intellectually curious, and well-rounded students regardless of a student’s financial circumstances — a tradition as old as Wabash itself. 

1832 Society support extends far beyond scholarships and financial aid. Your gifts provide wireless technology across campus, networking events for post-Wabash career opportunities, weeklong immersion learning trips, and weekend athletic and artistic events.

Please consider a meaningful leadership gift and help us reach our 1832 Society goals of 596 leadership donors and $2,216,927 in unrestricted leadership gifts to support Wabash students.

The Hays Challenge offers an added incentive to make an increased leadership gift this fiscal year. Read more.

1832 Society Gift Table for 2007-2008

The following table indicates the collective impact of leadership gifts on the Wabash student experience and the goals for the 2007-2008 fiscal year.

Membership in the 1832 Society begins with those who make an annual gift of $1,000 or more from personal contributions or a combination of personal and corporate matching gifts.

To find out if your company offers a matching gift program, visit www.wabash.edu/alumni/matching. If your company is listed, simply complete the materials from your human resources department and send them to Wabash.

$25,000 and above      Edmund O. Hovey Circle

$10,000 - $24,999       Frank H. Sparks Circle

$5,000 - $9,999           Elihu W. Baldwin Circle

$2,500 - $4,999           Byron K. Trippet Circle

$1,000 - $2,499           Caleb Mills Circle

Inaugurated in January 1999, the 1832 Society is the College’s leadership giving society. Membership in the 1832 Society establishes an identity for gatherings, solicitations, and relationship building.

All 1832 Society members receive recognition in the Honor Roll of Donors and Volunteers, invitations to special on- and off-campus 1832 Society events, and an annual commemorative collection of Chapel speeches.